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Interest Arbitration Decision at Ryerson – Student surveys cannot be used to evaluate teaching performance

July 24, 2018 webmaster

A recent arbitration award between the Ryerson Faculty Association and Ryerson University sets a significant precedent for academic staff across the country on the use of anonymous student questionnaires. Arbitrator William Kaplan found that student evaluations are biased and unreliable, and ordered that the collective agreement at Ryerson be amended to ensure that results of student questionnaires are not used in measuring teaching effectiveness for promotion or tenure. As part of the decision, Kaplan writes, “The expert evidence convincingly establishes…

Member Benefits Advisory – Health Coverage While Travelling Abroad

July 18, 2018 webmaster

Dear Members, This is just a reminder of some important things to consider about your health benefits if you plan to travel abroad in the near future. Under your UVic benefit plan, you do have travel insurance coverage, but any claim made under this coverage is counted against your lifetime maximum of $1 million under Pacific Blue Cross. What this means is that a single catastrophic illness or injury in another country has the potential to use up most or…

Member Benefits Advisory – Benefit Options for Members at Age 71

June 21, 2018 webmaster

In response to Member enquiries regarding benefits access for Faculty and Librarians at age 71, the Association has confirmed that there are a number of options available for voluntary extended health and dental care coverage at age 71 for active Members (i.e. not retired). Enrolment in these voluntary plans must be effective January 1st of the year immediately following the end of coverage under the University’s group plans. Members are cautioned that the below retiree plans do not offer the same…